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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Concerned Citizens Rally Before Hearing on Toll Hikes

Wednesday evening the Maryland Transportation Administration (MDTA) held a public hearing on their proposed toll hikes at Kent Island High School in Stevensville. Prior to the hearing, a group of about 50 concerned citizens rallied outside the school to show their opposition to the proposed hikes.
Nick Loffer, of the Maryland chapter of Americans for Prosperity, organized the event.
Among the speakers was Maryland Sen. E. J. Pipkin (R-36). Sen. Pipkin, along with several other members of the Maryland legislature has been a leader in opposing the hikes and keeping citizens informed of the MDTA’s proposals.
Del. Mike Smigiel (R-36), another leader of the opposition movement, addresses the crowd at the pre-hearing rally organized by AFP. Smigiel, along with Sen. Pipkin, have been rallying Shore citizens to this issue, and others, through their jointly published blog War on Rural Maryland.
Del. Mike Mike McDermott (R-38B) and Del. Mike Smigiel (R-36) outside Kent Island High School after speaking against the MDTA’s proposed toll hikes.
In addition to Sen. E. J. Pipkin, Del. Mike McDermott, and Del. Mike Smigiel, Delegates Addie Eckhardt (R-37B), Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio (R-37B), Del. Steve Hershey (R-36), and Del. Jay Jacobs (R-36) all attended last night’s rally to oppose the toll hikes.
Last evening’s speakers emphasized that opposition to the toll hikes isn’t just about one more example of Annapolis taking more from the Eastern Shore. These proposed hikes will also have an adverse affect on Maryland’s economy. Mid and Upper Shore citizens will be encouraged to shop in Delaware (with no toll, and NO SALES TAX) rather than travel across the Bay. Those that have to commute across the Bay will be forced to spend more of their income in commuting costs rather than with Maryland retailers. Money taken out of the pockets of Shore residents will be going to Annapolis rather being used to invest in new businesses which will employ people.

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10 comments:

Joseph Albero said...

To me, I believe O'Malley already knows gas prices will NOT be coming down over the next few years and is confident people will not travel other routes just to save money.

When I was a kid, as a Family we traveled to New York at least once a month to visit Family. Because money was so tight, we took every possible route to get there that did not include tolls. Don't you think for a second that other Families will be conidering the same.

To this day, I know quite a few people who will travel Rt. 50 to Rt. 95 and then south to Virginia on their way to NC & FL.

Very scary!

Anonymous said...

I'd like to see a commuter's pass/discount if this goes through.

Joseph Albero said...

NO Daily Times, NO WBOC, NO WMDT!

Salisbury News continues to prove we are dedicated, (even though we're less than a hand full of people) to provide what the Eastern Shore needs most.

The DT's claimed their revenue has NEVER been higher. Greg Bassett admitted that by laying off all the people they have, their net income is now greater than it had been in the past. Yet they refuse to send employees to such meetings.

When every one saw yesterdays article in the DT's about the County Council Meeting and they got almost every one of their facts wrong, Greg Latshaw couldn't be there because he was on a furlough day. The replacement reporter was clueless.

Our goal is to be at those places YOU cannot be. We'll also provide fair and balanced reporting. In other words, the TRUTH.

The Main Stream Media has thrown in the towel and given up, yet they still want to charge you $1.00 a day to provide AP articles and false information.

Anonymous said...

This goes through I will start shopping in Delaware. F this state!

Anonymous said...

You keep voting for Democrats and act surprised when they raise taxes or in this case a tax end run called tolls.

Anonymous said...

This is pretty cool. I'm tired of all the tourist coming here all summer long and spending money. This will surely reduce government revenue overall and that's a good thing. Plus it's very green, less travel, less pollution.

Anonymous said...

Okay, what is everyones ideas to fund the roads and bridges. You are all complaining about a toll hike because you use the roads and bridges. Do you think that they will last forever? What is your suggestions without a toll increase, fuel tax increase, or general tax increase? I bet......either none, or stupid responses.

G. A. Harrison said...

Anon 1717 -

No, I don't think the bridges will last forever. That's hardly the point. The Lane Bridge (Bay Bridge) takes in much more money than it costs to maintain it. Where does that balance go? To fund projects in the Baltimore - DC corridor.

Anonymous said...

G.A.....take notice that the protests across this country are coming so frequently now that the news doesn't even cover them. To those who dont pay attention it may even seem as thought they aren't as common as they once were. The reason I say take notice is that the riots in Europe started as protests against what the ppl believed were innapropriate government actions. Stand by. We are not immune. As more and more people run out of unemployment and food, the level of desperation increases exponentially. Cover these protests but don't underestimate the direction in which we the people are being driven.

Anonymous said...

Joe-I have family in North Jersey, literally everytime we went up to visit, we did the same thing. Took a route that avoided all tolls. It's easy enough to do. Raising the bridge toll is moronic, the bridge more than pays for itself/upkeep/repairs. I could understand if it didn't, but it does.